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2 <br /> Art on the Hill is inspired by similar events including Art Prize in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Art <br /> Fields in Lake City, South Carolina. However, several factors will make Art on the Hill unique to <br /> Orange County and the only event of its kind in North Carolina. Like the events inspiring Art on <br /> the Hill, the festival will be an economic boon for our communities and bring attention to Orange <br /> County through a showcase of large-scale, fascinating works of public art. Further, our festival <br /> will prioritize the support of participating artists, creating an environment where artists are <br /> compensated and made to feel celebrated. <br /> Artists will apply to participate and be juried by a panel of professional visual artists. Accepted <br /> artists will be provided compensation to support their travel costs. In addition, artists will be housed <br /> with partner hotels, making the experience as affordable and welcoming as possible. <br /> During the event, the public will seek out the locations of the installations, voting on their favorite <br /> pieces through an online portal. The piece with the most votes will receive a People's Choice <br /> Award. A professional jury panel will also evaluate entries and award prizes. The prize for the <br /> People's Choice Award and juror's 1st place award be the same amount, prioritizing the input of <br /> the public. Jury members include Larry Wheeler, retired director of the NC Museum of Art, and <br /> Stacey Kirby, Art Prize 2016 First Place Winner. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: A primary purpose of The Beacon is to generate local spending. Visitors <br /> will dine in local restaurants, shop, and pay for parking and other services while participating in <br /> the festival throughout the month. Further, the festival will attract visitors during a historically slow <br /> time of year. The goal of The Beacon is to become a major destination similar to the festivals in <br /> which its modeled after. As the event grows, it has the potential to draw thousands of visitors from <br /> around the region. Understanding the potential of the festival, county departments including the <br /> OCAC, Orange County Visitors Bureau, and Economic Development are each contributing $5,000 <br /> in seed funding for the first year of the event, in addition to $16,000 in contributions by other <br /> community partners. Grants are being solicited from national and local foundations and sponsors. <br /> The event is for the benefit of the community and not intended as a fundraiser. Net revenue will <br /> be used as seed funding for the 2024 festival. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to <br /> this item: <br /> • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND <br /> INEQUITY <br /> The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; <br /> religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic <br /> background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic status. <br /> • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY <br /> The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary <br /> for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their <br /> dependents. <br /> • GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION <br /> Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and <br /> volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation. <br /> ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal <br /> impact associated with this item. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the presentation <br /> and provide any comments or questions. <br />